FVWM

FVWM is a stable, powerful, efficient, and ICCCM-compliant multiple virtual desktop window manager for the X Window system. It requires some effort to learn to use it well, since it is almost entirely configured by editing configuration files with a text editor, but those who persist end up with a desktop environment that works exactly the way they want it to work. Although using FVWM does not require an knowlege of programming languages, it is possible to extend the power of FVWM with M4, C, and Perl preprocessing. FVWM has a Perl library that makes creating FVWM modules in Perl possible and easy. Development is active, and support is excellent. And for those who wonder, FVWM means Feeble Virtual Window Manager.

Starting FVWM

FVWM will automatically be listed in kdm/gdm in the sessions menu. Otherwise, add

exec fvwm2

or

exec fvwm

to your user's .xinitrc.

See xinitrc for details, such as preserving the logind (and/or consolekit) session.

Bringing Out its Power

When you start FVWM for the first time, you will get something that looks very blank. When you left-click on the desktop, you will be able to select a very basic configuration for FVWM. Chose the modules you want and you are ready to get started. You will undoubtedly want to do more to create your desktop, so here are some tips:

Although it is outdated, the Zensites FVWM beginners guide[1] helps to understand how FVWM functions and how to build your basic setup.

The FVWM homepage[3] includes documentation[4], a FAQ [5], and links to a Wiki[6]) and the FVWM forums[7].

The best way to come up with the desktop you want is probably to check out the configurations in the FVWM forum[8] or at Box-Look.org,[9] choose one you like, install it, and modify it to taste.

As you work with what other people have done, you may find it helpful to look at the tips on configuration files by Thomas Adam, the most active FVWM developer.[10]

A page[11] in the Internet Archive is outdated, but seems to be the only significant online documentation for fvwm-patched.

FVWM-Crystal, which is also in the Arch repositories as package fvwm-crystal, is an add-on that makes FVWM much easier to configure, although the easier configuration allows much less flexibility than direct editing of configuration files.